Final Blog from camp (from yesterday).
9/26/11
9:00pm PT
Here at the airport. I made the Nation’s Cup roster!!! Officially an Eagle!!!
After the morning practice, we had a meeting (good vibes all around) and outlined the steps we’re going to take these next 40 days. We’ll have workout groups that are competing against each other, a private facebook page, with which we check in twice a week, an Eagle google docs page, where we track our progress, and Eagle Days, which will be designated days on which we do the same extended workout (and I’m going to invite a lot of people to workout with me).
Also, at the meeting we were informed of selections, and as I said, I was one of 26 players on the Nation’s Cup roster! We’ll be playing England first, in Toronto, at the WNT, and I’ll probably be playing fullback when we do.
After the morning meeting, some of us had to get fitted for mouthguards (again I feel like I’m in college again—we got fitted for shoe inserts at the beginning of the year while playing basketball for ECU). And after the mouthguard fitting, we were free to take in the scenery of Chula Vista or explore nearby San Diego.
I decided to go to SD with some of my new teammates and get some tasty Mexican food. Our head coach, Pete, joined us, and we all took turns ribbing each other. Then it was off to the airport—not a bad day.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
WNT Camp Day 4
6/25/11
12:45pm PT
So I guess I’m a day late on some of this stuff, but here’s another interesting thing that has happened here at camp.
USADA (the US Anti-Doping Agency) held a meeting with us, yesterday. Basically, they went over policy, what’s legal/illegal, how we can search stuff we’re taking (like Tylenol and other OTC meds) to see if they contain banned substances, and then they told us that we are now on their list for random drug screening.
What this means is that we have to submit our schedule for the next three months—when we’re at home, the hours we work, when we train, any scheduled appointments/activities/vacations. If any of these events changes, let’s say practice has been cancelled and we won’t be there, we have to notify them via text, online, smart phone app, or email. You pretty much have to be where you said you would be if they come looking for you, and they can come-a-lookin’ at any time. Kinda nuts, huh.
Well, if you think that’s nuts, consider this: it’s fairly lenient compared to the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) policy. International athletes (includes all of our Olympians) have to be at a set location every day for an hour, just in case WADA wants to test them. If they’re not there, they receive a “Missed Test.” Basically, we’re being watched by the “Secret Police.”
In rugby related things, we seem to be gelling as a unit here. Our offense is coming together and our defense is showing very few weaknesses. I’m not as overwhelmed as I was when I arrived, and I think that getting to know my teammates alone has helped that. And the coaching staff is amazing with their feedback and being upfront and honest with the players about their expectations.
Regardless of whether or not I get selected to the Nation’s Cup roster, I’m elated that I’m a part of what’s going to be an awesome US Eagles team. I’ve learned a lot these last couple of days and picked up on some of the nuances of the game, and I’ve also been able to discern holes in my own game (boy, do I need to work on kicking). It’s been a great experience.
9:50pm PT
The afternoon session went really well. We scrimmaged the last 25 minutes, and I think everyone had a great time. Though we were all tired, the effort never waned. We’ve really made progress this week.
I made a nice hit on one of the opposing forwards—one of those that spectators can hear on the sideline. After we had finished, she walked up to me and said, “I haven’t been hit that hard in a long time. I liked it.”
I love playing with ladies like that—with that sort-of competitive spirit. I think a true competitor relishes in a strong opponent. I think being bested gives that true competitor one other thing to work on and improve in their game, so that they won’t be bested again.
Again, I’ve had such a great time out here in Cali, and I’m hoping that I get to spend some more time with the Eagles at Nation’s Cup.
12:45pm PT
So I guess I’m a day late on some of this stuff, but here’s another interesting thing that has happened here at camp.
USADA (the US Anti-Doping Agency) held a meeting with us, yesterday. Basically, they went over policy, what’s legal/illegal, how we can search stuff we’re taking (like Tylenol and other OTC meds) to see if they contain banned substances, and then they told us that we are now on their list for random drug screening.
What this means is that we have to submit our schedule for the next three months—when we’re at home, the hours we work, when we train, any scheduled appointments/activities/vacations. If any of these events changes, let’s say practice has been cancelled and we won’t be there, we have to notify them via text, online, smart phone app, or email. You pretty much have to be where you said you would be if they come looking for you, and they can come-a-lookin’ at any time. Kinda nuts, huh.
Well, if you think that’s nuts, consider this: it’s fairly lenient compared to the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) policy. International athletes (includes all of our Olympians) have to be at a set location every day for an hour, just in case WADA wants to test them. If they’re not there, they receive a “Missed Test.” Basically, we’re being watched by the “Secret Police.”
In rugby related things, we seem to be gelling as a unit here. Our offense is coming together and our defense is showing very few weaknesses. I’m not as overwhelmed as I was when I arrived, and I think that getting to know my teammates alone has helped that. And the coaching staff is amazing with their feedback and being upfront and honest with the players about their expectations.
Regardless of whether or not I get selected to the Nation’s Cup roster, I’m elated that I’m a part of what’s going to be an awesome US Eagles team. I’ve learned a lot these last couple of days and picked up on some of the nuances of the game, and I’ve also been able to discern holes in my own game (boy, do I need to work on kicking). It’s been a great experience.
9:50pm PT
The afternoon session went really well. We scrimmaged the last 25 minutes, and I think everyone had a great time. Though we were all tired, the effort never waned. We’ve really made progress this week.
I made a nice hit on one of the opposing forwards—one of those that spectators can hear on the sideline. After we had finished, she walked up to me and said, “I haven’t been hit that hard in a long time. I liked it.”
I love playing with ladies like that—with that sort-of competitive spirit. I think a true competitor relishes in a strong opponent. I think being bested gives that true competitor one other thing to work on and improve in their game, so that they won’t be bested again.
Again, I’ve had such a great time out here in Cali, and I’m hoping that I get to spend some more time with the Eagles at Nation’s Cup.
Friday, June 24, 2011
WNT Camp Day 3
6/24/11
1pm PacTime
In from our first practice of the day and lunch. We actually had some free time (don’t have another meeting until 1:30), so I figured I’d sit at the computer for a bit.
I feel so much more comfortable with our system today, after sitting with the playbook/manual for a while. The ladies here are awesome, and pretty diverse as far as age and location goes. We have some from Cali/West Coast, some from the East and South, and some from those middle, land-bound states (a lot from Minnesota), and there are a bunch of veteran players, but also a lot of newbies (like myself).
As always, it’s sunny in San Diego/Chula Vista, but not so hot. I hate to say it, but I don’t miss the weather in Virginia (I hate to say it, because I love the VA). Rugby in spring/summer is just a lot easier when the air isn’t so heavy.
Now, I’ll be off to our meeting and then practice #2 for the day…and still no update on Operation Capture A Bunny.
9:30pm PT
Yesterday, I forgot to mention that we had a nice little surprise at the end of the afternoon practice (guess I was too tired last night to recall). The Fallbrook Women’s (or Girl’s) U19 team came to watch our practice and meet us all afterward. These young ladies were this year’s U19 National Champs (they won their Championship Match 60-0).
I don’t know how the others felt after that practice—whether they were walking tall because they performed well, or down because they could’ve done better—but whatever their state, I’m sure that everyone of us walked away from the pitch feeling good about ourselves, after meeting these girls.
I felt like maybe I could’ve made an impression on them or perhaps they saw something in my play that would inspire them. Maybe they saw me hit someone and thought, “When I get older, I’ll be hitting that hard.” At the very least, I could sense how excited they were to meet and mingle with us, and that made me feel a little bit like a celebrity.
And one other thing, the Fallbrook Club has over 70 young ladies involved. They have a U14 team, a U16 team and the U19 team that we met. That got me excited as well—the sport (our sport) is gaining popularity here, and it’s awesome to be a part of that.
1pm PacTime
In from our first practice of the day and lunch. We actually had some free time (don’t have another meeting until 1:30), so I figured I’d sit at the computer for a bit.
I feel so much more comfortable with our system today, after sitting with the playbook/manual for a while. The ladies here are awesome, and pretty diverse as far as age and location goes. We have some from Cali/West Coast, some from the East and South, and some from those middle, land-bound states (a lot from Minnesota), and there are a bunch of veteran players, but also a lot of newbies (like myself).
As always, it’s sunny in San Diego/Chula Vista, but not so hot. I hate to say it, but I don’t miss the weather in Virginia (I hate to say it, because I love the VA). Rugby in spring/summer is just a lot easier when the air isn’t so heavy.
Now, I’ll be off to our meeting and then practice #2 for the day…and still no update on Operation Capture A Bunny.
9:30pm PT
Yesterday, I forgot to mention that we had a nice little surprise at the end of the afternoon practice (guess I was too tired last night to recall). The Fallbrook Women’s (or Girl’s) U19 team came to watch our practice and meet us all afterward. These young ladies were this year’s U19 National Champs (they won their Championship Match 60-0).
I don’t know how the others felt after that practice—whether they were walking tall because they performed well, or down because they could’ve done better—but whatever their state, I’m sure that everyone of us walked away from the pitch feeling good about ourselves, after meeting these girls.
I felt like maybe I could’ve made an impression on them or perhaps they saw something in my play that would inspire them. Maybe they saw me hit someone and thought, “When I get older, I’ll be hitting that hard.” At the very least, I could sense how excited they were to meet and mingle with us, and that made me feel a little bit like a celebrity.
And one other thing, the Fallbrook Club has over 70 young ladies involved. They have a U14 team, a U16 team and the U19 team that we met. That got me excited as well—the sport (our sport) is gaining popularity here, and it’s awesome to be a part of that.
WNT Camp Day 2
I was so tired last night, I didn't get around to posting this (and still haven't gotten around to posting the video, but I will).
6/23/11
Today was pretty intense, as far as the amount of time we were involved with rugby and the amount on information we took in. We had two practices, two team meetings, team meals, treatment, and a little off time mixed in there.
We worked on ball in contact stuff and defense, in the morning session, and offense in the afternoon. I’m pretty sure this is going to be the model for the next couple of days.
I’m dead-tired right now (it’s only 9:30pm here), so I’m not going to write much more. I’m still excited about being here (even excited about how intense it is), and even though I did get a bit of sun today, I don’t have a headband line…woo hoo.
P.S. still haven’t caught a bunny…
6/23/11
Today was pretty intense, as far as the amount of time we were involved with rugby and the amount on information we took in. We had two practices, two team meetings, team meals, treatment, and a little off time mixed in there.
We worked on ball in contact stuff and defense, in the morning session, and offense in the afternoon. I’m pretty sure this is going to be the model for the next couple of days.
I’m dead-tired right now (it’s only 9:30pm here), so I’m not going to write much more. I’m still excited about being here (even excited about how intense it is), and even though I did get a bit of sun today, I don’t have a headband line…woo hoo.
P.S. still haven’t caught a bunny…
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
USA Nation's Cup Camp Day 1
So I decided to blog about the Eagle's Camp. Here's the first day's bit:
6/22/11
10:00am Central time (9am EST)
On my way to San Diego for the USA Women’s Nation’s Cup Camp!!
Actually, I’m not so much “on my way.” I’ve been sitting at O’Hare since 7:50am (Central time). I was sitting on a plane that had just arrived from Richmond then. I sat on that plane for an hour and 20 minutes and subsequently missed my connecting flight to San Francisco. That irritated me. What a way to start a trip?
However, I’ve been trying this new “not dwelling on stuff” attitude, and it helped in this instance. If there’s nothing you can do about a situation (like sitting on a runway for over an hour), then move on to the next best solution or remedy. It saves you some stress.
The next best solution turned out to be that proverbial blessing, which had been disguised by the thumb-up-our-ass waiting on the runway. United put me on a direct flight to San Diego (I had originally been scheduled to fly into San Francisco and then to San Diego). However, I will be arriving about an hour later, but at this point, I’ll take the hour delay instead of having to deal with another connecting flight.
So now, I’m just sitting, waiting, blogging, people-watching, getting anxious about playing with some of the top rugby players in the nation. Of course, none of them belongs to a club as awesome as James River (and I can’t thank the Old Boys enough for their donations…amazing).
I think it’ll be edifying to see where I stack up against the top talent. I’m hoping to make River proud. And I’m hoping that you guys enjoy this little blog. It gives me something to do, but I hope it provides a little entertainment as well.
6/22/11
5:10pm Pacific time (8:10 EST)
Just got to the OTC (Olympic Training Center) in Chula Vista, took a little walk and am just waiting to meet my roommates. It’s gorgeous out here—70’s, no humidity, clear, blue sky. My shuttle driver (the OTC sends shuttles to the airport to pick up players), Alfredo, said that the weather was supposed to be pretty much the same all week. I just need to remember to keep sunscreen on (don’t want a headband burn).
The housing here is reminiscent of college—pretty much dormitories. I videoed my room, and I’ll post that later (and don’t expect professionalism—I’m on the phone while filming).
Also, the bunnies are everywhere. When Aliea and I came out here a few weeks ago, with MARFU, we saw bunnies everywhere on the first day. They were grazing all over the sidelines of the fields, but we didn’t see anymore of them after that first day. Well they’re back. Maybe I’ll catch one and bring it home to be River’s new mascot, along with Animal and the JRG.
6/22/11
10:30 P (1:30EST)
In from the team meeting…sleepy. Long day. Little rest. Incomplete sentences.
Yeah it’s time for me to hit the sack, but before I do, I just wanted to pass along some information. We were asked, in our team meeting tonight, to introduce another teammate and give various facts about them, including the club for which they play. I think maybe three players, other than myself (out of the 34), knew where James River was…but now they do.
6/22/11
10:00am Central time (9am EST)
On my way to San Diego for the USA Women’s Nation’s Cup Camp!!
Actually, I’m not so much “on my way.” I’ve been sitting at O’Hare since 7:50am (Central time). I was sitting on a plane that had just arrived from Richmond then. I sat on that plane for an hour and 20 minutes and subsequently missed my connecting flight to San Francisco. That irritated me. What a way to start a trip?
However, I’ve been trying this new “not dwelling on stuff” attitude, and it helped in this instance. If there’s nothing you can do about a situation (like sitting on a runway for over an hour), then move on to the next best solution or remedy. It saves you some stress.
The next best solution turned out to be that proverbial blessing, which had been disguised by the thumb-up-our-ass waiting on the runway. United put me on a direct flight to San Diego (I had originally been scheduled to fly into San Francisco and then to San Diego). However, I will be arriving about an hour later, but at this point, I’ll take the hour delay instead of having to deal with another connecting flight.
So now, I’m just sitting, waiting, blogging, people-watching, getting anxious about playing with some of the top rugby players in the nation. Of course, none of them belongs to a club as awesome as James River (and I can’t thank the Old Boys enough for their donations…amazing).
I think it’ll be edifying to see where I stack up against the top talent. I’m hoping to make River proud. And I’m hoping that you guys enjoy this little blog. It gives me something to do, but I hope it provides a little entertainment as well.
6/22/11
5:10pm Pacific time (8:10 EST)
Just got to the OTC (Olympic Training Center) in Chula Vista, took a little walk and am just waiting to meet my roommates. It’s gorgeous out here—70’s, no humidity, clear, blue sky. My shuttle driver (the OTC sends shuttles to the airport to pick up players), Alfredo, said that the weather was supposed to be pretty much the same all week. I just need to remember to keep sunscreen on (don’t want a headband burn).
The housing here is reminiscent of college—pretty much dormitories. I videoed my room, and I’ll post that later (and don’t expect professionalism—I’m on the phone while filming).
Also, the bunnies are everywhere. When Aliea and I came out here a few weeks ago, with MARFU, we saw bunnies everywhere on the first day. They were grazing all over the sidelines of the fields, but we didn’t see anymore of them after that first day. Well they’re back. Maybe I’ll catch one and bring it home to be River’s new mascot, along with Animal and the JRG.
6/22/11
10:30 P (1:30EST)
In from the team meeting…sleepy. Long day. Little rest. Incomplete sentences.
Yeah it’s time for me to hit the sack, but before I do, I just wanted to pass along some information. We were asked, in our team meeting tonight, to introduce another teammate and give various facts about them, including the club for which they play. I think maybe three players, other than myself (out of the 34), knew where James River was…but now they do.
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